Beggars, encroachment, parking woes, Sector 17 has no end to its problems

Amit Singla, a resident says, “There are people selling their wares in corridors in the Plaza. In other parts of the Plaza, cycles are parked in the corridors. At times, there is so much rush in the corridors that it is not possible to walk.”

The problem is so intense that though encroachment drives are held at regular intervals, the hawkers take little time in surfacing again.

With the number of vehicles substantially increasing in the city, Sector 17 also faces the problem of inadequate parking space. The proposal for a multi-level parking, mooted nearly two years ago, hangs fire as the final design is yet to be approved.

For Kriti, another resident, the number of beggars needs to be curtailed. “The authorities should take steps in addressing the problem of increasing beggars in the sector. A number of tourists come here and with beggars troubling them, it gives a bad impression about the city,” she says.

The traders in the sector, meanwhile, opine that while the Plaza sees a large number of people coming in, the rest of the market appears lifeless.

A trader, who owns a shop near the post office, says, “I set up my shop here nearly seven years ago. But, this part of the sector is lifeless. We don’t get customers and the business suffers. The area is also neglected with little development having taken place over the years.”

Councillor Speak

Mayor Pardeep Chhabra, the area councillor, says that nearly Rs 7 crore have been sanctioned for the sector. “With four new parking lots being constructed, the parking problems would be greatly reduced,” says Chhabra while adding that the plan for the multi-level parking would be approved and construction work would start soon. “The Plaza is being extended to the Madhya Marg. The complaints of some areas getting more attention would be dealt with by this. We are also planning to set up an amusement park in the sector.”